In Goose Creek's Game 1 win, 1-0, over Cane Bay on April 8, Smith tossed a shutout and Rio's solo blast to center in the bottom of the fourth inning accounted for the lone run of the game.

Smith (2-2, 2.42 ERA) struck out five batters and scattered three hits against the Cobras. Gators catcher Christian Sillanpa was the only player for either team with two hits. Cane Bay had a runner cut down at the plate in the top of the sixth inning and then went in order in the seventh inning.

“We've been getting great pitching,” Pond said. “We haven't had enough hits. It's hard to win games with four or five hits unless the pitcher is lights out. They're not going to be perfect every day. We've got to have some hitting and make the routine plays in the field too.”

On the season, Singleton leads all Gators hitters with a .467 batting average, while Sillanpa is batting .381.

Since giving up five earned runs, and nine total, against Hanahan on March 12, Smith has allowed just one earned run over his last three starts, a span of 20 innings. He's fanned 35 batters during the stretch.

“He's a different Cody Smith than he was (against Hanahan),” Pond said. “I just told him some times pitchers are going to get hit.”

Third pitcher Bryce Jonason (0-0) has a 2.12 ERA and one save.
Both Cane Bay and Hanahan will participate in the annual HIT tournament over spring break after a non-region game against each other on Friday.

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